At CrescentCare, we bring caregivers and the community together as partners in health and wellness for all. Our experience builds on more than 40 years of impact through our founding organization, NO/AIDS Task Force. In 2014, we became a Federally Qualified Health Center to offer an expanded range of health and wellness services for anyone and everyone who is seeking healthcare services in Greater New Orleans and Southeastern Louisiana.Our MissionStrengthening our entire community through whole-person healthcare and education.Position SummaryThe Staff Attorney in CrescentCares Legal Services department will provide direct representation for minors seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) in juvenile and immigration court. They will assist with school enrollment and ensure that the minor is receiving proper services in their school. They will coordinate with the case manager to ensure clients access to Medicaid benefits. In addition, the Staff Attorney will represent adult clients living with HIV/AIDS with their asylum cases with USCIS and immigration court.The Staff Attorney plays a vital role within our legal team, providing trauma-informed holistic services to minor patients and their parent or guardian as they access services through the medical clinic. The overall Legal Services department provides legal services to underserved populations in the community, including low-income individuals, marginalized and vulnerable populations, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons living with HIV/AIDS.Key Duties and ResponsibilitiesKey Objectives:
Deliver high-quality legal representation in immigration cases before the USCIS, and all courts.
Effectively advocate for clients, empowering them by providing legal counsel, navigating court or administrative processes, and engaging in strategic litigation as needed.
Contribute to a collaborative, client-centered team environment within our medical-legal partnership.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide direct representation of clients in state and federal courts and before administrative bodies or tribunals in cases involving immigration.
Responsibilities include all aspects of direct legal assistance, including client interviewing, factual investigation, advice and counsel, brief services, legal research and writing, pretrial and trial practice.
Practice law in compliance with legal ethics and the Rules of Professional Conduct especially client confidentiality.
Maintains a personal tickler system to ensure all case deadlines are met and drives office tickler systems.
Attend Continuing Legal Education trainings necessary to maintain eligibility to practice law.
Provide clear advice and legal counsel to clients, explaining complex legal concepts in understandable terms.
Actively participate in outreach and educational initiatives to increase community awareness of legal rights and resources.
Collaborate with the broader legal team and medical-legal partnership colleagues on cases, knowledge sharing, and strategic advocacy efforts.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Maintain a caseload effectively, prioritizing client needs and meeting established deadlines.
Document case progress accurately within the organization's data management system.
Stay updated on relevant legislation and evolving legal issues affecting our target populations.
Contribute to a supportive and inclusive work environment for colleagues.
Direct Client Representation
Bill on average 100 billable hours per month.
Manages an immigration caseload.
Implement grant and contract requirements through casework.
Represent individual clients effectively in any forum that relates to the clients objectives and utilizes all legal and advocacy techniques that may be necessary and appropriate to achieve clients goals.
Consults with sup rvisor about cases and cooperates with supervision on casework and preparing Monthly Case Status Reports.
Develop and maintain specialized knowledge of the legal needs of immigrants and persons living with HIV.
Complies with organization and department policies and procedures, and other funding regulations keeps records of how time is spent as required by the organization and federal regulations.
Advocacyand Partnerships
Develop a referral network and establishes effective relationships with social services and regulatory agencies for the exchange of relevant information.
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- Leadoutreach and legal rights education to clients and community groups, social service providers,community education projects,researches and prepares memoranda, know your rights and training materials;speaks to groups, and maintains records of community education activities.
- Provide orientation and training activities for partner agencies.
- Complies with department advocacy standards in all aspects.QualificationsEducation
JD from an accredited law school
Work Experience
Experience in general immigration law practice through law school clinic work, externships, or other similar training; entry level candidates are encouraged to apply.
Other
Active Louisiana State Bar license, in good standing.
Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.
Total Compensation PackageWe believe the investment we make in our employees is among the most important. Our compensation package includes:
Comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage options
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Employer-paid Dental
Employer-paid life insurance and ADandD
Employer-paid Wellness Program
Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program
Employer-sponsored vision insurance
Employer-sponsored short-term disability insurance
Vacation time (accrue 10 days in first 12 months)
Sick time (accrue 8 days in first 12 months)
Eleven (11) paid holidays
401(k) retirement plan with employer match beginning in employees second year
